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The Department of Agriculture is weighing a price ceiling on imported rice as global tensions push up shipping and farm input costs, raising concerns about profiteering in the domestic grains market. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is studying a cap of about P50 per kilo on imported rice, a level he […]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and state-owned Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) urged Filipinos not to abuse the government’s subsidized rice program, warning that unusually large crowds at distribution sites are creating the false impression of a supply shortage. Officials said the flagship “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative—popularly known as the P20-per-kilo rice program—continues to have […]
The Department of Agriculture has launched a sweeping investigation into several fertilizer suppliers with government contracts and temporarily halted the release of their stocks following complaints over product quality. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. directed procurement and warehouse officials to suspend the distribution of fertilizer from the companies while the DA, together with the […]
The Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East following a US airstrike on Iran, warning that a prolonged escalation could quickly ripple through Philippine agriculture through higher fuel, fertilizer, and freight costs. At the center of concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway through which a significant […]
The Department of Agriculture DA is sharpening its focus on oil palm, confident that expanded plantations in Mindanao can curb imports, raise farm incomes, and strengthen the country’s edible oil supply. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signaled plans to significantly increase funding for the fledgling sector in 2027 after this year’s proposed P1 billion […]
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos hailed the creation by the Department of Agriculture of an office dedicated to providing support to the coffee industry. “The creation of the Coffee Industry Development Office is a welcome move that will hopefully lead to the development of the coffee industry. Our coffee farmers in Abra could definitely […]
The Marcos administration’s flagship food program Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! has moved deeper into communities, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) launching its first barangay-level rollout in Barangay Matina Crossing in Davao City, marking a significant push to widen access to affordable rice. Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra led the […]
The Department of Agriculture and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have sealed a JPY1.7-billion grant agreement to build a modern rice processing system in Isabela, a move aimed at sharpening the buffer stocking capability of the National Food Authority in one of the country’s most productive rice belts. The facility will rise in Cauayan City, […]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up the expansion of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program across the National Capital Region, deepening the Marcos administration’s push to make affordable rice widely accessible, especially to vulnerable sectors. A flagship food program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the project offers quality rice at P20 per kilo, […]
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the creation of a technical working group (TWG) on rice importation, signaling a more data-driven and strategically managed approach to balancing supply, prices, and farmer protection as the country heads into another critical cycle for its staple grain. The move comes as the Department of Agriculture (DA) races […]